ABC elects former Campbell Soup chief to board

By Michael Johnsen

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen on Wednesday announced the election of former Campbell Soup president and CEO Douglas Conant to its board, effective immediately. Conant’s election increases the number of AmerisourceBergen directors from nine to 10.

“Doug’s extensive business experience, exceptional leadership capabilities and proven track record for growing brands and businesses make him an excellent addition to our board,” stated Richard Gozon, AmerisourceBergen chairman.

Conant is CEO of ConantLeadership, a firm dedicated to helping improve the quality of leadership in the 21st century.

From 2001 through 2011, Conant helped lead Campbell Soup Company through a business transformation that generated sales growth, 10 consecutive years of adjusted earnings per share growth, strong cash flow and a high return on invested capital.

Prior to joining Campbell Soup, Conant served from 1992 to 2000 at Nabisco in a series of senior leadership positions, including president of Nabisco Foods from 1995 to 2000. Conant also worked at General Mills and Kraft earlier in his career.

Conant received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and his Masters of Business Administration from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.